Located between the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, the Southern Asia Division is a unique region known for its snowy mountains, beautiful islands, and highly-populated cities. Well-known sites include the majestic Taj Mahal in India, and towering Mount Everest in Nepal. The Southern Asia Division is made up of four countries [SHOW MAP]: India, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives.

There are 1 billion 300 million people living in this division. In India alone there are more than 22 major languages and more than 700 dialects. Reaching so many different people groups, cultures, languages, and dialects is a challenge, but despite these difficulties, local Global Mission pioneers are answering God’s call.

Although the Adventist message arrived in India more than 100 years ago, the Adventist Church has grown gradually here. Today, there are some 4,500 organized churches with more than 1 and a half million members. Although the membership appears large, there is only one Seventh-day Adventist for every 865 people. This represents 0.13 percent of the total population.

Small villages and snowy mountains are common features of Nepal and Bhutan. Reaching people in these mountain ranges can be difficult. Despite the challenges, the Adventist Church is growing. Together, Nepal and Bhutan have 34 churches and about 10 thousand members in a territory with more than 29 million people.

India is the second most populated country of the world and has approximately 50 cities with populations larger than 1 million. Here in the middle of crowded markets, busy streets and hectic lives, the urban environment can be difficult for mission work.

Across the country of India, the Adventist Church operates schools, radio and television studios, universities, and a publishing house. The membership in India makes up the majority of the division’s total membership.

In Pune (poo-nay), Adventists operate a respected educational institution: Spicer Adventist University. There are about 6,000 students enrolled and many others would like to study here. Spicer not only attracts prospective students from almost every state and territory in India, but also has a student body that represents 29 different countries.

Across town is the Oriental Watchman Publishing House in Pune. In operation for more than 115 years, the press publishes materials in 14 Indian languages ​​as well as literature for Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Throughout its history, this publishing house has been a valuable missionary tool providing literature for the various people groups.

In southern India, the coastal city of Chennai, is home to Hope Channel India, part of a global network of television studios. This studio produces programs in seven Indian languages, thanks to the efforts of a team of dedicated, faithful workers who are sending a message of hope in Jesus.

In a territory so vast and heavily populated, there are countless mission challenges and opportunities in this diverse region of the world. Please pray for the work in India, please ask God what you can do to help reach this challenging region. Thank you for your support of Adventist Mission!